The Voice of the Martyrs' blog, sharing powerful stories and timely information that invites and inspires American Christians into fellowship with their persecuted family around the world.

Posts categorized "Intercessory Prayer"

July 23, 2015

I have been reading the Book of Acts and read, again, the story of Saul’s conversation in Acts, chapter 9. I am always struck by how soon after Saul met Jesus that people were trying to kill him!

As I have been reading in Acts in recent days the Lord has really drawn my attention to the role that Ananias played in Saul’s conversion. We all remember the story, Saul is on the road to Damascus and he sees a blinding light and hears the voice of Jesus saying, “Why are you persecuting me?” Saul is struck blind and has to be lead into the city by his helpers. That is where Ananias comes in.

God tells Ananias to go to Saul and restore his sight. What does Ananias say? You can read the story in Acts, chapter 9, but basically he tells God, “That is a terrible idea. No, no, no, God! I know about Saul and he is a really bad guy. He has come here to arrest people in the church and now you want me to go see him?” The Lord tells Ananias, “Yes, I want you to go.”

So Ananias is obedient and he goes to see Saul and there are two things that struck me in a new way as I read the story this time. First, Ananias reached out and touched Saul and secondly, he called him Brother Saul, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus sent me to you.” Remember just four verses earlier Ananias was telling God what a terrible guy Saul was and yet now he obeys God, goes to Saul, reaches out to touch him and calls him brother, "Brother Saul.” Then Ananias sort of disappears from the story. We don’t know what happened to him, but we sure know what happened with Saul. He became Paul, the great missionary/evangelist and the author of so much of the New Testament.

How different is that story if Ananias says no to God?

Not too long ago one of our VOM staff was in the Middle East at a meeting of Syrian church leaders. They were talking about this very passage. Some of these believers minister in the city of Damascus. For them it is very easy to see Ananias’ side of the story. They talked about that very situation. What if a guy from ISIS calls and says he wants to meet? What if a fighter from Al-Nusra Front comes in the door of your church? “I have had a vision of Jesus and I need to meet with you to learn more.” What would these Syrian Christians do? What would we do?

Our Syrian brothers and sisters talked about that. Would they go to meet with a sworn enemy of the gospel? One-by-one they shared that it would be difficult, it would be scary, but that if they felt God calling them to go, they would go in spite of the risks. I am thankful for the example of Ananias who was willing to reach out and touch and call “Brother” someone who had been an enemy. And I am thankful for Syrian Christians who are willing to take that risk today. It is thrilling to know that God is reaching into the ranks of terrorists, even ISIS, and calling people to Himself.

We have had the incredible privilege to share some of those stories right here on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. But those new believers, those Sauls, need an Ananias to help connect them to the truth and to a body of believers, and that is not an easy job. There is a lot of risk.

But it isn’t just former ISIS fighters that need an Ananias, it is people coming to Christ where you live, where I live; our neighbors, co-workers, students at our children’s school. I hope that you will pray with me that God will reach more Sauls among radical Muslim groups and also raise up more Ananias’ to disciple and teach them. I hope we will pray that we can be an Ananias for someone who needs a friendly face and a welcoming smile as they choose to follow Jesus Christ.

Todd Nettleton has served with The Voice of the Martyrs for 17 years. He’s travelled to more than 20 restricted and hostile nations and interviewed hundreds of believers who’ve faced persecution for their Christian witness. As VOM’s principle media spokesperson, Todd has done more than 2,000 interviews with media outlets ranging from Moody Radio to the BBC and Los Angeles Times. He is the principle author of Restricted Nations: North Korea and was part of the writing team for four other VOM books. He is the host of VOM's weekly half-hour radio program, The Voice of the Martyrs Radio, which you can find online at www.VOMRadio.net.

July 09, 2015

It is the fourth week of Ramadan, and Muslims around the world are fasting and praying. Muslims are required to cease eating and drinking from dawn until dusk. Only those who are traveling or who are sick are exempt from the requirement of fasting during this time.

Recently, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Islamic State militants tied up two young Syrian boys to a cross for eating during the time of religious fasting for Ramadan. Described as children under the age of 18, the two were suspended by their wrists from a pole shortly before noon and left there until evening. A placard on their chest declared that the two had eaten without “religious justification.”

My nine-year-old nephew is always voraciously hungry when he comes home from school. When his mom picks him up for a ten-minute ride, he often asks if she brought anything for him to drink or eat. There are times when dinner is nearly ready, but he just can’t wait and sneaks a snack. As punishment, he might get yelled at or even sent to his room. However, to tie him by the wrists to a pole and leave him there for hours is horrifying.

Many Syrians have been left without water for weeks. Prices have skyrocketed, and parents are not able to provide food or even basic medicine for their children. Shouldn’t malnourished children be exempt from the requirement of fasting?

Muslims who are seeing such horrors carried out are becoming increasingly disillusioned with Islam. Recently, Operation Mobilization’s "Julian" told VOM workers the story of a sheikh who got into a taxi and asked the driver if he knew where he could find a Bible. The sheikh, a Muslim leader, shared that he had been training soldiers in jihad in Syria, but he was tired of the killing and was now seeking a Bible. Fortunately, the taxi driver was a Christian and knew where they could find a Bible. Stories like this continue to pour out of the Arab world. Muslims are tired of the brutality and evil. They want peace.

For those of you who receive the monthly newsletter, you may have ordered the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet. During the second week of prayer for Muslims, you read the story of Abdul-Ahad, a sheikh who approached an East African missionary in a Somali refugee camp. After sharing how he had committed heinous acts of violence, he cried, “I need relief from that.”

As you continue to pray for Muslims, remember the extremists who have violently harmed men, women, and children, killed people, and trained others to kill. I am praying that these radicals will be disillusioned by Islam and seek out peace and forgiveness.

“Ann Kay” is a writer for VOM. She learned about VOM five years ago when she read Tortured for Christ and began receiving the newsletter. She is passionate about reaching the world for Christ and sharing stories of the persecuted church.

July 08, 2015

The group of Pakistani Christian men knew the risks when they entered an Islamic festival where fanatical Muslim leaders preached jihad and attendees renewed their religious zeal.

Quietly, they initiated conversations about Jesus, who is considered a holy prophet in Islam. By the end of the evening, they had distributed several hundred flyers telling about Jesus Christ and had exchanged phone numbers with people who wanted to learn more.

These men are a few of the more than 30,000 front-line workers VOM supports. They are sharing the gospel in hostile and restricted nations at great risk. As they minister in these difficult places, they need our prayers. Will you commit to stand with them in prayer as they share Christ?

June 03, 2015

We have been following the case of two pastors in Sudan who are currently on trial and could, if convicted, face the death penalty. Earlier this week VOM's Todd Nettleton did an interview with Mission Network News about the case.

Our friends at CBN news talked to the two pastors by phone at the jail where they are being held in Khartoum. CBN's Gary Lane filed this report:

Yat Michael and David Yein say they are unafraid even though they face possible execution in Sudan. The two Presbyterian pastors are accused of spying in Khartoum, and have been jailed since last December (Yein) and January (Michael).

On trial since May 19, they've been officially charged with "inciting organized groups" and "offending Islamic beliefs." Sudanese law (sharia) requires them to be executed if they are convicted.

Both Christians--who are from South Sudan--say they had no hidden agenda while visiting Khartoum; they were only answering God's call to share the Word with the people of Sudan.

In an exclusive CBN News interview, Senior International Correspondent George Thomas talked to the two pastors via telephone from their Khartoum prison cell.

"We want you to pray that this test be for the glory of God." ~Sudanese pastor David Yein

Yat Michael told Thomas while he has not suffered physical beating during his imprisonment, he has experienced psychological intimidation. Also, he said it has been two months since he's been allowed to talk with his family.

Speaking mostly in Arabic, David Yein told Thomas he is "not afraid of anything" because "God chose me to suffer." He asks that Christians pray that his suffering will "be for the glory of God" in the prison.

You can read Gary's full report, including video from CBN News and a transcript of the jail-house interviews, HERE.

Following the court hearing on Monday, the case was reportedly recessed until June 15. Please pray for Pastor Yat Michael and Pastor David Yein.

April 02, 2015

While in Iraq recently, I was pleased to meet several Christians who are serving their neighbors, even in the midst of their own personal suffering. These “Jesus followers” have lost almost everything that this world values, and they continue to boldly proclaim their faith. They shine brightly in a place that has been darkened by loss, sorrow and hopelessness.

I was reminded of Zephaniah 3:9, where God promises to restore. He will restore so that “they all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord.” Another translation reads “serve him shoulder to shoulder.” That is exactly what we are called to do: to serve God shoulder to shoulder with our family members.

One of the deepest joys for field workers who serve with The Voice of the Martyrs is to stand with these sisters and brothers who are courageously and faithfully following Jesus in the most difficult circumstances.

An Iraqi sister lost everything in Mosul and was forced to flee to a neighboring city. Now, she labors every day, ministering to those who have also been displaced. As she suffers personally, she ministers to those who are suffering in similar ways, at the same time and in the same location.

In this brief video, listen as she asks for your prayers.

You will hear her say, “We ask them to pray for the Muslim Iraqi people. We pray for peace for our Iraq. We love Iraq so much.”

She continues by asking Christians who are praying for Iraq to pray specifically for one profound request. She says, “Pray for the Christians not to leave Iraq. Really, we are here, the light and the salt of this nation.”

Will you take a moment, wherever you are, right now, to pray with her? Please join her in praying that Christians will not leave Iraq. Pray that they will stay and shine. And pray for VOM as we stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Iraqis who are giving everything they have in service to our King!

Dr. Jason Petersserves in VOM’s International Ministries department, traveling frequently to meet with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Jason and Kimberly have been married for over twenty years, and have five children who are actively engaged in standing with their persecuted family members.

March 10, 2015

Local authorities in Chiapas, Mexico, recently issued an official warning to Pastor Antonio Cruz Rodas, ordering him to stop evangelizing in the area. Pastor Rodas has also received death threats.

Authorities issued the pastor a document reading, "Today we strongly state total prohibition of access to people that profess any religion different than the one in our community."

Most people in the area practice "folk Catholicism," a syncretistic blend of Catholicism and indigenous practices. Pastor Rodas says he is not afraid of being killed, and VOM contacts have asked that we pray for his continued ministry in this hostile area. Three families in the area have come to faith in Christ, and the pastor has planted two churches in communities similar to this one.

In the photo at right, a pastor in Chiapas is shown praying for one of his parishioners.

February 19, 2015

Preaching in Taliban territory. Passing out Bibles under ISIS’ nose. Sharing Jesus one on one in Saudi Arabia.

You and I can’t go there, but they can. Throughout nations hostile to the gospel, God has raised up men and women willing to share His name despite the risks involved. Today, The Voice of the Martyrs invites you to “adopt” one of these front-line workers and commit to pray for him or her for one year.

The Voice of the Martyrs also invites you to make a monthly recurring gift to help equip these front-line workers with the tools they need to advance the kingdom. These tools include Bibles and Christian literature for training and distribution as well as bicycles, motorcycles and even horses for transportation — anything that will help the front-line workers share Christ’s love in hostile and restricted nations.

February 18, 2015

Today marks the beginning of Lent, celebrated by many Christian traditions around the world. The Lent celebration is a reference to the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and facing temptations by Satan in the wilderness. Traditionally, it is a time which Christians devote to prayer in order to draw closer to God in the days leading up to Easter. Here are 40 ways you can pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters:

Pray for Your Persecuted Family

Pray that persecuted believers will sense God’s presence.

Pray that they will feel connected to the greater Body of Christ.

Pray that they will be comforted by God when their family members are killed, injured or imprisoned for their witness.

Pray that they will have more opportunities to share the gospel.

Pray for their boldness to make Christ known.

Pray that they will forgive and love their persecutors.

Pray that their ministry activities will remain undetected by authorities or others who wish to silences them.

Pray that they will rejoice in suffering.

Pray that they will be refreshed through God’s Word and grow in their faith.

Pray that they will be strengthened through the prayers of fellow believers.

Pray for Front-Line Workers

Pray that the Lord provides opportunities for front-line workers to share the gospel.

Pray that the Lord prepares the hearts of those who will hear the gospel.

Ask for favor among those to whom front-line workers are ministering.

Ask that ministry activities will remain unseen by potential persecutors.

Pray that front-line workers will be refreshed and strengthened in God’s Word daily.

Pray for peace in the worker’s hearts when traveling in especially difficult areas.

Pray for boldness and courage as workers carry out kingdom work.

Pray for the workers’ family members, as they often face long periods of separation.

Pray that front-line workers will be encouraged, knowing that others are praying for them.

Pray that front-line workers will have a real sense of the presence of God.

Pray for VOM’s Work in Restricted and Hostile Nations

Pray for the families of those killed for their faith.

Pray for those injured because they are Christians.

Pray that believers in need of Bibles in hostile and restricted nations will receive them.

Pray for Bible smuggling and printing efforts in closed countries.

Pray for those sharing the gospel on the front-lines and in the most dangerous places.

Pray for those supporting evangelists and other front-line workers.

Pray for those distributing Action Packs and other aid items to persecuted Christians.

Pray for Prisoners, Widows and Orphans

Pray for the health of those being held in prison. Many do not receive even basic medical care, and need God’s healing and comfort.

Pray for Chinese believers and others who are forced to do hard labor in prison.

Pray for Eritrean believers who are arrested for practicing their faith and held in harsh conditions.

Pray for prisoners being held in Iran where believers face re-arrest, torture and even death.

Pray that letters written to prisoners through VOM’s Prisoner Alert page would be a source of encouragement and hope.

Pray that families of prisoners would be encouraged and feel God’s presence during times of sadness.

Pray for the many women who have been kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria. Ask God to help them remain steadfast in their Christian faith despite pressure to become Muslim.

Pray for the mothers, wives, children and family members of those whose family members have been killed, like the 21 Egyptian Christians who were killed by IS in Libya this week.

Pray that God will provide for the needs of the families of martyrs who are left behind.

God’s Continuing Work

Pray for God’s work to continue in restricted nations like Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, North Korea, and other countries with anti-Christian laws.

Pray that the Gospel would be spread in every nation, tribe and tongue including hostile nations like Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Mindanao (Philippines).

Ask God to help you continue to remember the many needs of Christians from around the world and pray for believers by name through tools like www.iCommittoPray.com.

Pray for believers and those who have yet to hear the Word of God in specific countries through the VOM Prayer Map.

February 04, 2015

On Sunday, Jan. 18, Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang and his associate pastor were attacked by five men near the Bible college that Quang founded and still leads.

The five men attacked the pastors without provocation, hitting them in the head with bricks and rocks until they collapsed to the ground. The attackers continued their assault even after the pastors were on the ground, kicking them repeatedly. Both pastors were taken to an emergency room for treatment. Pastor Quang suffered a broken nose, broken ribs and injuries to his teeth and jaw. No arrests have been made in the assault.

VOM has worked with Pastor Quang for many years, standing by him during multiple arrests and attacks as well as the destruction of his Bible school by authorities.

Christians from around the world join the "online prayer meeting" at www.icommittopray.com to share their prayers for our persecuted family members like Pastor Quang who suffer for their faith. Pastor Quang and his church members can also see this page, so they can be encouraged by the prayers of their brothers and sisters.